5/24/09 Reds vs Tribe

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cin-
Taveras cf
Hairston 2b
Bruce rf
Gomes lf
Hernandez 1b
Rosales 3b
Gonzalez ss
Hanigan c
Cueto p

Clev
A.Cabrera ss
Sizemore cf
V.Martinez 1b
Choo rf
DeRosa 3b
Francisco lf
Shoppach c
Valbuena 2b
Lee p

[Dom Heffner]

I know they are being cautious with Votto, but I would have figured he'd be in there today.

[mth123]

I know they are being cautious with Votto, but I would have figured he'd be in there today.

He's woozy again.

[nate]

Cueto with the high socks today.

[nate]

Chat is open.

[nate]

Single for Cabrera to lead it off.

[nate]

Cueto K's Sizemore. One down, one on.

[Deepred05]

This Votto thing is getting ridiculous.

[Scrap Irony]

Cincinnati's lineup is missing three of its four best returning 2008 bats and its two best bats of this young season.

Amazing Cincinnati is still over .500, considering the injuries to the pitching staff and offensive "stars".

[nate]

Martinez flies out. Two down, one on.

[nate]

Single for Choo, Cabrera to 2nd, two out.

[nate]

Cueto K's DeRosa for the third out.

[redsfaninbsg]

You hate to think like this coming into the game but they really need about 7 shutout innings from Cueto today.

[nate]

Taveras got out somehow (missed it) and HARRISTON hits a HR!

[nate]

Bruce, GO-3. Two down.

[mth123]

Hairston. He's been a big surprise for me. I thought signing Taveras was a waste and signing both was lunacy, but Hairston has been decent. Needs a better OBP though.

[nate]

Gomes (I think) flies out to SS. End of inning, Reds score 1.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice 1-6-3 DP. 1-0 Reds after 1 and a half

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ramon singles to lead off, Rosales pops out to shallow left.

[dsmith421]

Does George get a bonus every time he uses the word 'smile'?

[mth123]

Hanigan walks. At least they turn the line-up over. Cueto should try to bunt for a hit, but with 2 catchers on, the force play works against him.

[mth123]

Cueto GO 4-3

[mth123]

Pop to Rosales. 1 out. None on.

[mth123]

Cabrera GO 4-3.

[mth123]

Sizemore singles.

[mth123]

Martinez Walks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, now be honest guys. Who foresaw an infield of Rosales/Gonzales/Hairston/Hernandez before the season started. Yikes.

[nate]

Okay, now be honest guys. Who foresaw an infield of Rosales/Gonzales/Hairston/Hernandez before the season started. Yikes.

Everyone, of course!

:cool:

[mth123]

Choo GO 3-1. 3 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo grounds out to 1st to end the inning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff IF single for Willy.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hairston grounds to second, but the turn/throw on the DP goes wide of first. Hairston safe at first.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jay strikes out. 2 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

pitch gets away from Shoppach, and Hairston takes a chance. He's nailed at 2nd unfortunately. 1-0 Reds after 3

[nate]

Heh, nice try by Hairston to "jump" over the tag but he was out by a light year.

[Tony Cloninger]

Rosales is not playing well CW....he is doing OK...but he is not going to supplant EE ...yet.

[_Sir_Charles_]

DeRosa grounds out to Rosie on the first pitch, then Francisco is quickly out on the 2nd pitch popping out to Taveras. 3 pitches, 2 outs. Nice.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. Kelch was just talking about Shoppach being a HBP magnet....and what do you know.

HBP #9 for Kelly

[_Sir_Charles_]

Valbuena doubles over Bruce's head...they send Shoppach and should've nailed him but he's called safe on the high relay throw. 1-1 ballgame.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Valbuena advanced to third on the throw. Bruce missing the relay man hurt...but not as much as the HBP

[_Sir_Charles_]

Full count to Lee. You CAN'T walk Cliff Lee.

[Tony Cloninger]

You know.... JC needs to realize 2 outs means you don't go into cruise control. This type of stuff is just annoying. You should have been done with the inning and then an off the mark relay throw blows the chance to get him. He should have been out... but the inning should have been done anyways.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* He walked him. Squeezed a bit, but it shouldn't have gotten to a full count to begin with.

[remdog]

Valbuena advanced to third on the throw. Bruce missing the relay man hurt...but not as much as the HBP

What hurt was giving up a meatball double to a .174 hitter with the pitcher coming up behing him.

Rem

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sheesh! Throws behind the batter but catches a break on the bounce. Lee advances though for the wild pitch.

[Falls City Beer]

In my life I've never seen a pitching staff have so many lapses of concentration when facing the bottom of the other team's order.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cabrera pops out to Rosales in foul ground to end the inning. It started out so smooth, but that HBP seemed to rattle Johnny a bit.

He was getting ticked off by the ball/strike calls, but looking at Gameday, they were all balls. Close, but balls nonetheless.

[Tony Cloninger]

Well mario is in the dugout....so don't go blaming Dick Pole for this. ;)

Seriously...... the guy was hitting .174? No excuse for stuff like this really.
Just keep forgetting the team is young and stuff like this will happen.

Serenity now.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes hits a shot that gets tracked down by Sizemore
Hernandez hits a single up the middle.
Rosales with a double that one hops the wall in left, Ramon to third.
Gonzo with a sharp hit ball to second that's knocked down. Everybody safe. Ramon scores, Adam to third. 2-1 Reds

[toledodan]

gonzo infield single 2-1 reds!

[nate]

Gonzo with a sharp grounder that the 2B can't make a play on. Ramon scores, first and third with one out!

[jojo]

Gonzo just has to make contact.

[nate]

Has Hannigan continued his torrid streak of being on base 100% of the time after a hit?

:cool:

[Kc61]

Have to give kudos to Gonzo who keeps plugging away and is playing much better now. I think his defense is better than at any point as a Red. His offense is coming around decently.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang it. Slow roller to third, Rosales tries to score. Nailed at the plate. Gonzo to second, Ryan to first.

[penantboundreds]

Hey can someone pm me there username and login to mlb.tv and i will use it today and forget it tomorrow.....I am in Europe and have been here for 2 weeks and it is killing me that I can't watch any games, with this day game it seems like a perfect time for this. Any help would be appreciated. You can change your password tomorrow if you feel that would be necessary.


Help a Reds fan!

[jojo]

Pete would've exploded homeplate Adam.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cueto pops out to short to end the inning. 2-1 Redlegs.

@ penantboundreds I've got one for MLB audio if you want...but not video. Up to you.

[penantboundreds]

Sir-Charles, would be unbelievable if you could do that....I miss Marty's voice

[_Sir_Charles_]

on it's way.

~edit~ sent.

[nate]

Nice 3-6-3 DP!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Another HBP. Well, I guess Cueto was due for a shaky outting. But as bad as he's been today with his control....he's still only allowed 1 run.

And with that, a quick DP to erase it. Nice.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm still pleasantly surprised by how well Ramon has handled first base. Stunned might be a better description than surprised.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo strikes out to end the inning. 2-1 Reds middle of 5

[penantboundreds]

:beerme: Sir Charles you are a Great American :beerme:

[oneupper]

Nice 3-6-3 DP!

Martinez (Batter), Hernandez and Gonzalez all Venezuelans on that DP.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. If San Diego wins today, they're back to .500.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Taveras K's
Hairston popped out to short
Bruce...another DEEEEEEP drive...pulled in at the track. Man, Jay is just snakebit right now.

2-1 Reds after 5

[nate]

Whoa, Bruce gave it a ride and Sizemore picked it at the wall.

[Tony Cloninger]

Is Bruce not taking enough greenies?

Yes..George...Sizemore is great. A scholar and humanitarian. Pretty much did what a lot of CF can do. Catch a long...deep ...fly ball.

[Superdude]

wow. sucks to be jay bruce right now. 3 fly outs to the wall in two days

[_Sir_Charles_]

:beerme: Sir Charles you are a Great American :beerme:

Now if you could just change that to "Sir Charles you are AT Great American" I'd be a happy camper. :O)

[mbgrayson]

Bruce has actually looked good against a top notch lefty today...He will hopefully catch on fire soon.

[nate]

Bruce has actually looked good against a top notch lefty today...He will hopefully catch on fire soon.

Hey, we have enough injuries now without someone catching on fire!

:cool:

Cueto K's the pizza man. 84 pitches, 51 strikes so far.

[Tony Cloninger]

I know they want to avoid calling the old Braves outisde strikes....but that is on the corner and good enough for a strike. Man...i do detest home plate umpires.

I think Doug harvey was the last good home plate umpire i have seen.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Back to back strikeouts. 5 for Johnny.

[nate]

Strikes out the side. Nice.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Make that 6. Strikes out the side. Nice bounce back in terms of control for Cueto.

[nate]

Wasn't Ben Francisco a former Reds farmhand?

[nate]

Gomes with a single on the first pitch.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff single from Gomes.

Nate, you can take over the PBP...my hands are full with a deepdish supreme. :O)

[nate]

OK.

Hernandez K's. Sir Charles assumes a horizontal position from a deepdish supreme.

[nate]

Rosales Ks. Two down, Gomes at first.

[nate]

The ball gets away from Shoppach, Gomes to 2nd. 1-1 to Gonzo.

[nate]

Gonzo with a Texas Leaguer scores Gomes! 3-1 Reds, Gonzo at first, two down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gonzo....has somebody been hiding his bats this season? He seems to have found them. RBI single! :O)

[nate]

Hannigan hits one that impresses George and ends up being about 30' in front of the track. FO-8. End of inning, one runner left on, 3-1 Reds.

[nate]

Valbuena doubles to start the 7th.

[nate]

Carroll pinch hits for Lee.

[MrCinatit]

Wasn't Ben Francisco a former Reds farmhand?

He's been with the Cleveland organization for all of his pro career. Are you thinking of Jan Francisco? (only name that jumped out at me right off the bat).

[nate]

And Carroll lines out to JHJ.

One down, runner on 2B.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm assuming MrCin was meaning Juan, not Jan.

[nate]

He's been with the Cleveland organization for all of his pro career. Are you thinking of Jan Francisco? (only name that jumped out at me right off the bat).

I dunno...it just seemed like there was a former Francisco with the Reds.

[nate]

Cabrera (?) GO-3, Valbuena to 3B.

Two down, Sizemore up.

[nate]

I'm assuming MrCin was meaning Juan, not Jan.

Jan is very underrated.

Sizemore RBI triple!

However!!!!!

Thrown out at the plate.

Now a conference.

[Playadlc]

Where the heck was Cueto at? Why wasn't he backing up the play?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sheesh! What a sequence.

Hit down the line, for a triple, throw from Bruce gets by Rosales...out at the plate, but reversed because the ball went out of play? At least I'm guessing that's the reason.

Regardless, tie game.

[nate]

It seems the ball kicked away on the throw to third. Gomes (yes, GOMES) was backing up the play, fielded the ball and threw out Sizemore at the plate.

The umps say the ball went out of play and that Sizemore gets the base so it's a tiw game.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rosales called for interferance...thus the run scores.

Can't wait to see a replay on THIS one.

[nate]

Terrible call. Gomes kept the ball from going out of bounds.

Gomes with a HELLUVA play actually.

[dsmith421]

That is maybe the worst call I've ever seen.

[Playadlc]

What the heck was the call?

[flyer85]

they called interference on Rosales

[Falls City Beer]

Terrible.

[nate]

Interference? Lame.

[Playadlc]

Interference!!!!!!!! What?

Rosales didn't touch him!

[MrCinatit]

Interesting looking at the careers of Cueto and Homer.
A few years ago, Cueto was barely a blip of the Reds' radar, it seems. Homer, was of course the stud of the organization - and the top prospect in baseball for a while.
Oh, how things have changed.

Looks like an absolutely horrible call by the umps - horrible call. I've a feeling this one will be reviewed for quite some time, especially should the Reds lose this one. Some tough luck for Cueto.

EDIT: Oh, an interference call. I've not seen that part of the call...will have to take a look at that, too. Good recovery by Cueto, btw.

[nate]

Just saw another replay and it didn't look to me like Rosales interfered.

[Falls City Beer]

Do you take Cueto out here? I do.

[VR]

Wow. Called interference on Rosales....who didn't come close to touching Sizemore, or even being in the way.

[Playadlc]

Just another example of an umpire that wants to make a big call and get some attention.

Fire that ump. Seriously.

[nate]

If I'm Dusty, I'm throwing the replay flag.

Cueto comes back and strikes out the last batter.

Reds 3, Indians 2, Umps 1

[toledodan]

the reds have been getting the short end of the calls for the last couple of weeks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Martinez K's to end the inning. Tough luck there.

Anybody see a replay yet? Marty's saying their feet got tangled. Enough for an interferance call?

[jojo]

I think Sizemore was safe because of a missed tag but I'm calling shenanigans

[Falls City Beer]

Massive momentum shift now.

[nate]

Do you take Cueto out here? I do.

No!

:cool:

[Caveat Emperor]

I'm surprised Cueto resisted the temptation to just throw one right into Martinez's kitchen there.

Really, this is about what I expected from the Reds at the start of the season -- a team that could sweep a series here and there, but would also have no problem dropping 2 of 3 to a team as awful as Cleveland or San Diego.

[nate]

I think Sizemore was safe because of a missed tag but I'm calling shenanigans

I saw a good angle where Hannigan got him on the arm.

[redsfaninbsg]

Rosales didn't even touch him, one of the worst calls I've ever seen.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hmmm...interferance...would that be an earned or unearned run for Cueto? I've seen interferance called...but not to score a run.

[Big Klu]

Rob Drake is unequivocably the worst umpire in baseball. I have never watched a game (whether it involved the Reds or not) in which he was an ump that I did not say at some point, "Geez, that guy sucks!" He is all about making himself the focus of the game.

[nate]

Martinez K's to end the inning. Tough luck there.

Anybody see a replay yet? Marty's saying their feet got tangled. Enough for an interferance call?

No way. Rosales had has back to the field and his butt might've been within an inch of the baseline but I didn't see any feet tangling.

[Caveat Emperor]

the reds have been getting the short end of the calls for the last couple of weeks.

The "non-strike" call on David Weathers in San Diego a week or so back was worse, IMO.

[HokieRed]

Technically wd. be an obstruction call, not interference, I believe.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm surprised Cueto resisted the temptation to just throw one right into Martinez's kitchen there.

Really, this is about what I expected from the Reds at the start of the season -- a team that could sweep a series here and there, but would also have no problem dropping 2 of 3 to a team as awful as Cleveland or San Diego.

In the battle of the bullpens, you gotta like Cleveland in this one.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, now Kelch is saying they clearly got thier feet tangled up and Rosie was in the baseline.

And now Marty's saying NO CONTACT.

Man, I can't WAIT to see a replay.

[nate]

They just showed yet another angle of it and they were on the verge of getting tangled up but avoided it. Plus, Sizemore didn't have to run around Rosales.

[nate]

Nix PH for Cueto and GO-3.

[oneupper]

The replay shows no contact. Awful call.

[_Sir_Charles_]

In the battle of the bullpens, you gotta like Cleveland in this one.

I'm assuming you're joking.

[GAC]

sorry. but there was no interference or impeding of Sizemore. Simply a terrible call.

[Caveat Emperor]

In the battle of the bullpens, you gotta like Cleveland in this one.

Only because it has to be deflating to lose a 2 run lead on a triple, error, and runner interference call.

Cleveland's bullpen is thoroughly mediocre, and Kerry Wood stinks something fierce -- like Mike Lincoln bad.

[dougdirt]

Terrible call. There was no obstruction. There was no contact. Sizemore had a clear straight line to home plate.

[GAC]

chat is open

[dsmith421]

Kelch is wrong and Marty is right. There was absolutely no contact, Rosales was not in the baseline, and Sizemore did not even adjust his line to the plate.

An absolutely criminal call. But of course in Bud's MLB there's absolutely no accountability for incompetent umpires.

[jojo]

Just another example of an umpire that wants to make a big call and get some attention.

Fire that ump. Seriously.

at least the call was made immediately

[nate]

Whoa, that was a terrible pitch Willy swung at. FO-7. Two down.

[Playadlc]

The worst part of the entire sequence is Cueto just standing in the middle of the field backing nothing up. If he is where he should have been there isn't even an attempt at the plate.

How a MLB pitcher isn't in the proper place there is baffling to me. A play like that deserves a fine.

[_Sir_Charles_]

So it's called obstruction and an error on Rosales. Can you have obstruction without contact? Just by being in the baseline?

[GAC]

they are saying it was, technically, obstruction. Simply laughable

[Falls City Beer]

I'm assuming you're joking.

Considering Cordero's the only leverage arm available today, no.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hairston with a liner off the glove of DeRosa. 2 down, man on 1st.

[nate]

Hairston hits one to DeRosa who plays hot potato with it and can't make the play.

JHJ on first, two down.

[MrCinatit]

It didn't look like Sizemore even paused when he came near Adam. And it certainly wasn't like he was just standing there in the basepaths - Rosales was still trying to make a play. Very poor call by the umpire. Is that the type of play the Reds can protest, or are they out of luck on this one?

[nate]

Go ahead, Sir C!

[HokieRed]

Probably doesn't require contact for obstruction. If the umpire judges that Rosales getting in the path of the runner and breaking his momentum was a key to our being able to throw Sizemore out, then obstruction could properly be called, I believe.

[Caveat Emperor]

Considering Cordero's the only leverage arm available today, no.

Kerry Wood is a leverage arm, but I'd rather have someone throwing underhand on my staff than him, at this point.

[Blitz Dorsey]

One of the worst calls I can ever remember seeing live. That ump should be suspended for a game without pay for a joke of a call like that. You have to be looking for that call to make that call when there is no contact and the ball just flew by the 3B. What a pathetic joke! If we lose this game over that call, this guy should be tarred and feathered. Only slightly kidding.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Considering Cordero's the only leverage arm available today, no.

Might be a good time to see Carlos. But I still like our pen MUCH more than Clevelands'.

[Falls City Beer]

Bruce needs a day or 10 off.

[Caveat Emperor]

Not saying this for atteniton, but at what point do you have to consider sending Bruce back to AAA to work on not grounding routinely to 1st and striking out swinging on terrible pitches out of the zone?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Go ahead, Sir C!

LOL. Sorry. I got all sidetracked by that 3rd base call. You can finish if you want.

[Falls City Beer]

Kerry Wood is a leverage arm, but I'd rather have someone throwing underhand on my staff than him, at this point.

He shredded the Reds last night. He's actually just had limited exposure; once he gets going he'll be fine.

[nate]

LOL. Sorry. I got all sidetracked by that 3rd base call. You can finish if you want.

No, it's OK. I've gone to chat!

[Kc61]

I am really furious about that call. Reds have enough problems but they are repeatedly on the short end of critical umpire's calls. Why watch baseball when the umpires are determining games?

At least in SD, the umpire was calling balls and strikes. He had to make a call one way or the other, I just disagree with the strike zone. But this time the ump reached out to make an obstruction call and for no good reason.

Another thing is that umpires need to learn that sometimes their angle distorts what happened. I think that may have happened here. In that case, an umpire should be careful not to jump the gun on a close call.

What happened here is that Rosales turned to try and find the ball. The umpire interpreted that move by Rosales as impeding the runner. But Sizemore was not impeded.

By the way, Weathers has no business being in this game he has not pitched well lately.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Uh, I cannot get over it when idiot umpires have to make themselves part of the action when it's not necessary. You can tell by that clown's necklace that he has issues. An umpire wearing stuff that my kids would wear? Nice. It's like certain umpires get bored and have to make themselves part of the action after a certain point.

And unlike other sports, MLB will not admit their mistake here. They will stand by the call, saying there doesn't have to be contact for there to be interference/obstruction because the runner can get out of the way on his own, but it could still take him out of his path. Well, THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN THIS CASE. The ball flew by Rosales and then Sizemore ran by him. Period. There was no interference. This ump should be suspended! There is NO accountability for horrible calls when guys are just trying to get themselves on TV.

And shocker, the extremely-hittable Dave Weathers comes in and immediately gives up a hit.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Bruce needs a day or 10 off.

He's barely missed three HRs in the last two games. Easy there.

[jojo]

I am really furious about that call. Reds have enough problems but they are repeatedly on the short end of critical umpire's calls. Why watch baseball when the umpires are determining games?

At least in SD, the umpire was calling balls and strikes. He had to make a call one way or the other, I just disagree with the strike zone. But this time he reached out to make an obstruction call and for no reason.

Another thing is that umpires need to learn that sometimes their angle distorts what happened. I think that may have happened here. In that case, an umpire should be careful not to jump the gun on a close call.

What happened here is that Rosales turned to try and find the ball. The umpire interpreted that move by Rosales as impeding the runner.

By the way, Weathers has no business being in this game he has not pitched well lately.

Weathers is pitching now so the call might not end up mattering in the end anyway....

[_Sir_Charles_]

7.06
When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction."
If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batterrunner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out.
Rule 7.06(a) Comment: When a play is being made on an obstructed runner, the umpire shall signal obstruction in the same manner that he calls “Time,” with both hands overhead. The ball is immediately dead when this signal is given; however, should a thrown ball be in flight before the obstruction is called by the umpire, the runners are to be awarded such bases on wild throws as they would have been awarded had not obstruction occurred. On a play where a runner was trapped between second and third and obstructed by the third baseman going into third base while the throw is in flight from the shortstop, if such throw goes into the dugout the obstructed runner is to be awarded home base. Any other runners on base in this situation would also be awarded two bases from the base they last legally touched before obstruction was called.
(b) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction.
Rule 7.06(b) Comment: Under 7.06(b) when the ball is not dead on obstruction and an obstructed runner advances beyond the base which, in the umpire’s judgment, he would have been awarded because of being obstructed, he does so at his own peril and may be tagged out. This is a judgment call.
NOTE: The catcher, without the ball in his possession, has no right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The base line belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there only when he is fielding a ball or when he already has the ball in his hand.

[Caveat Emperor]

He's barely missed three HRs in the last two games. Easy there.

That's nice -- but, at the same time, he's looking terrible 3 out of 4 ABs per night, and his AVG (admittedly, not the be-all and end-all) is plummeting towards .200, with an OBP of now close to an even .300.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Weathers in to pitch the 8th. Hererra warming up.

Choo singles to center
Derosa sac bunt moves Choo to second. 1 down.
Francisco grounds out to short. Choo to third. 2 down.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Not saying this for atteniton, but at what point do you have to consider sending Bruce back to AAA to work on not grounding routinely to 1st and striking out swinging on terrible pitches out of the zone?

I would say when he's not on pace for 40+ HRs despite being 22 years old. But that's just me. Plus, like I said, he's had a very unlucky streak lately hitting balls that looked like they were gone by barely missed. All the way to the wall, not just warning track. Hilarious that people are so worried about a 22-year old that is on pace for over 40 bombs and plays great D.

[Falls City Beer]

He's barely missed three HRs in the last two games. Easy there.

It's abundantly obvious he needs a game or two off.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Weathers walks Shoppach.

[Big Klu]

He's barely missed three HRs in the last two games. Easy there.

10 games might be an exaggeration, but FCB has a point. Bruce could use a day or two off.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Here's a scary thought. If Valbuena gets another hit...his average will go ABOVE Bruce's. But I agree...there's some overreacting about Bruce. He's had some horribly bad luck this season, a young player will start to press when that happens. It's expected. Let him work through it. A game or two off for a mental break wouldn't be amiss though.

But alas, ground out to third to end the inning.

[mth123]

He's barely missed three HRs in the last two games. Easy there.

He's missed all three pitches. They all should have been HR if he was going right.

[Blitz Dorsey]

A day off is one thing. Two is even a joke on this team with no one being able to stay healthy and the hitting being somewhat of a problem anyway.

Bruce will be fine! I'm seriously laughing at all of you that are concerned about him. Age and production... kid is a stud. And don't forget about defense. He's hit an unlucky streak but will be fine. He is is a free-swinger and I don't like that either. But he'll be OK.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I am much more concerned about the awful umpiring in Major League Baseball than I am Jay Bruce, put it that way.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Matt Herges in.

Gomes, Hernandez & Rosales due up.

[Playadlc]

A day off is one thing. Two is even a joke on this team with no one being able to stay healthy and the hitting being somewhat of a problem anyway.

Bruce will be fine! I'm seriously laughing at all of you that are concerned about him. Age and production... kid is a stud. And don't forget about defense. He's hit an unlucky streak but will be fine. He is is a free-swinger and I don't like that either. But he'll be OK.

Jay just needs to relax. He looks to be pressing a bit. His hands are getting out in front of his body badly right now.

A day off to clear his head and go over some tape would serve him well, IMO.

[Falls City Beer]

K'ing against Matt Herges: not very nice.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I can't believe Dusty didn't get thrown out for the worst call I have ever seen watching a Reds game. Cannot get over that entire play. This game should be 3-2 Reds right now with Coco warming up. Instead, we have an idiot ump that had to make up a call.

[Caveat Emperor]

Bruce will be fine! I'm seriously laughing at all of you that are concerned about him. Age and production... kid is a stud. And don't forget about defense. He's hit an unlucky streak but will be fine. He is is a free-swinger and I don't like that either. But he'll be OK.

.819 OPS isn't a "stud" -- it's OK, falling towards mediocre.

He has great potential, but for a "can't miss" prospect, he looks overmatched way, way too often. Just IMO.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes struck out.
Hernandez lines out sharply for the second out.
Rosales flies out deep to center to end the inning.

3-3 heading to the ninth.

[RED VAN HOT]

I could not see that the runner in any way altered his movement toward the plate. It seems to me that in order to make the call, the umpire must notice something unnatural about the play. The mere fact that Rosales foot was in the base path at the time Sizemore broke toward the plate seems insufficient to me.

I know that I am more sensitive to seeming injustices against the Reds, but doesn't it seem that we are always on the wrong end of such calls?

[Falls City Beer]

The call's over, thing of the past: more importantly, Matt Herges is absolutely shredding this lineup. Sad.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Would not be shocked at all if the 3B ump is on the take. Otherwise, why not consult with the other three umps to find out what they saw? This 3B ump just about fell out of his pants pointing at Rosales and making the call. I've watched it about 100 times now and it just gets worse. There is absolutely no excuse for that call. No contact, did not impede Sizemore's progress at all (and Rosales just had the ball kick by him). Very shady at best. On the take at worst.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cordero in for the ninth. Dellucci PH'ing for Herges

[BCubb2003]

Did Sizemore change his direction or stride at all?

[Kc61]

.819 OPS isn't a "stud" -- it's OK, falling towards mediocre.

He has great potential, but for a "can't miss" prospect, he looks overmatched way, way too often. Just IMO.

OPS is such a flawed stat. It is an ok shorthand but it combines two different skills -- OBP skills and extra base skills -- and it just doesn't always tell the whole story.

Bruce has wonderful power, no doubt, but for May (before today) he had a .299 OBP and .218 BA. The pitchers have learned how to make him go fishing for pitches, and Jay complies.

Now he's recently faced some tough pitching and it's logical to think Jay's numbers will improve. But there are no sure things in baseball. Lots and lots of top prospects have not lived up to their potential. The jury is still out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dellucci with a leadoff single.

[Playadlc]

What a stupid 0-2 pitch by Cordero there.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cabrera sac bunt successful.
Sizemore up with 1 down and a man on second.

[nate]

OPS is such a flawed stat. It is an ok shorthand but it combines two different skills -- OBP skills and extra base skills -- and it just doesn't always tell the whole story.

No stat does. And no one is saying it does.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Cordero in tie games is almost automatically a run for the opposition.

[Kc61]

Cordero gets in trouble so often in non-save outings. I am finding this game upsetting, I really do hope the Reds win it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sizemore pops up...but Hanigan lost it. If falls freely. Tough luck.

[Blitz Dorsey]

You know what else is a shame (other than the Reds maybe losing a game on a horrible call)? It completely wipes away a great hustle play from Jonny Gomes who is a guy not known for his defense. So, instead of remembering a great baseball play, we'll remember one of the worst calls an ump can possibly make. It's one thing to miss a judgment call that has to go one way or the other (ball or strike). It's something completely different to make yourself part of the action when the best thing to do is nothing. And there is no accountability for these jokers! They can blow games for teams and nothing happens to them.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*whew* Goes full, but pulls out the K!

[nate]

You know what else is a shame (other than the Reds maybe losing a game on a horrible call)? It completely wipes away a great hustle play from Jonny Gomes who is a guy not known for his defense. So, instead of remembering a great baseball play, we'll remember one of the worst calls an ump can possibly make. It's one thing to miss a judgment call that has to go one way or the other (ball or strike). It's something completely different to make yourself part of the action when the best thing to do is nothing. And there is no accountability for these jokers! They can blow games for teams and nothing happens to them.

Yep. That was an awesome play by Gomes.

[Playadlc]

That was a nasty pitch.

[mth123]

Big K

[_Sir_Charles_]

Do you pitch to Martinez here? He's struggled this series, but he's still the leading AL hitter. Choo is hot this series.

[mth123]

OK. Need a run.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fly out to Bruce to end the inning. *whew* Cordero shut them down. I get nervous with Coco in non-save situations...he's a completely different pitcher it seems.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gonzo, Hanigan & probably Votto due up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Betancourt pitching.

[mth123]

Gonzo, Hanigan & probably Votto due up.

They should hit Dickerson for Gonzo. He gets on base.

[TheNext44]

Sorry, got here late, so sorry for still harping on the blown call.

The reason why it was a blown call is that obstruction can be called nearly all the time. Fielders commonly get on the way of runners in plays like that. But umps are trained to only call it when it is obvious and blatent. If there is any doubt at all, umps are told to not call it.

Not only was it not obvious, it probably wasn't there.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1st pitch swinging...shallow pop up to right.

Votto on deck after Hanigan.

[mth123]

Gonzo with a weak pop to RF. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

They should hit Dickerson for Gonzo. He gets on base. This series, so has Gonzo. He popped out, so you must've been right. *grin*

[mth123]

Hanigan pops to RF as well.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanigan pops out to shallow right again to Choo.

Votto to close it out with a walk-off dinger.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pitching coach visit. They wouldn't WALK Joey here would they?

[mth123]

Pitching coach visit. They wouldn't WALK Joey here would they?

Up and in?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yep, they're pitching around him.

[mth123]

They aren't real scared of Willy are they?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Un-intentional-intentional walk to Votto.

Taveras up with 2 down.

LOL. Marty just said..."He DOES have a home run this season".

[toledodan]

They aren't real scared of Willy are they?

would you be?:D

[BCubb2003]

They aren't real scared of Willy are they?

They want so many parts of him.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Really, why wouldn't they walk Votto there? That's the most obvious intential walk ever. Joey Votto or Willie Taveras?

[mth123]

Can Phillips PR today?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Really, why wouldn't they walk Votto there? That's the most obvious intential walk ever. Joey Votto or Willie Taveras?

When I typed that I forgot that Taveras was due up next. :)

[mth123]

Really, why wouldn't they walk Votto there? That's the most obvious intential walk ever. Joey Votto or Willie Taveras?

Bob Gibson would have thrown up and in to see if jerking his head out of the way gets a dizzy spell.;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dusty puts on the hit & run...fouled off

[_Sir_Charles_]

Willy with a fly out to deep right. That would've been flat out hilarious if Willy hit a walk off 2 run dinger. *grin*

Extra innings.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Indians bullpen continues to breeze through Reds batters.

And does Choo annoy anyone else?

[toledodan]

willy hits it hard to right but caught. extra innings again!

[Falls City Beer]

Wow. Great. Extra innings.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rhodes in.

Choo, DeRosa, Francisco due up

[mth123]

Wow. Great. Extra innings.

Beats losing in 9.;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

"Rhodes chewed Choo up there" ~ Kelch

[_Sir_Charles_]

Back to back K's for Arthur.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Carlos Fisher warming up. It would be his MLB debut.

Arthur strikes out the side. Nice!

[VR]

Rhodes with a Colossus inning, k's 3.

[Falls City Beer]

Beats losing in 9.;)

True. But extras have meant only one thing for the Reds this season.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hairston, Bruce & Gomes due up in the bottom of the 10th.

Top of 9th: Bucs 2 / W.Sox 3
Top of 8th: Cards 2 / Royals 3
Bot. of 8th: Astros 0 / Rangers 5
Later tonight Mil. at Min.

[redsmetz]

True. But extras have meant only one thing for the Reds this season.

Time to change that right here. Sound good?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Time to change that right here. Sound good?

Now THAT'S the right attitude!

Have we had a walk-off HR this year?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hairston strikes out swinging.

[redsmetz]

Now THAT'S the right attitude!

Have we had a walk-off HR this year?

It doesn't feel like we've had any kind of a walk off win this season. We either win or we don't, but nothing dramatic.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce strikes out for the second time today.

Gomes up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes K's as well. Betancourt K's the side.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Say hello to another 15 inning marathon

[VR]

I think the Reds should offer to start paying their players for more than 9 innings. Just sayin.

[CrackerJack]

This pitching staff is going to be spent by the AS break

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, just checked. We've only got ONE relief pitcher with a win. Masset. Hernandez hit a 2 run dinger to win the game against the Astros...but it was the top of the 9th.

[mth123]

Carlos Fisher. My Sleeper from minor league seasons past.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Carlos Fisher...welcome to the Major League! :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dickerson is in Left for Gomes

[_Sir_Charles_]

Shoppach strikes out looking! Way to go Carlos!!!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Shallow pop out to Dickerson. He got a nice jump on that one. 2 down.

Peralta PH'ing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Peralta walks. Fisher got squeezed on that last one.

[Falls City Beer]

He throws hard. Doesn't know where it's going, but he throws hard.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cabrera grounds out to 2nd to end the inning. Nice debut for Fisher, well done young man.

[mth123]

He throws hard. Doesn't know where it's going, but he throws hard.

His history is pretty good control. Major league debut in extras of a tie game may be an issue. I'd guess he's nervous.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Still on the bench, Castillo, Janish, Phillips (but I'm sure they won't use him), and Owings.